With the summer season on top of us, this is the best time to get your boats out! You will want to make the most of boating, which is one of the most gratifying and fun activities when done with the proper gear.
And speaking of equipment, a bimini top is a must-have for your boat. Having your boat accessorized is crucial to making your experience worth it.
A bimini boat top is the only way to make your life easier as a boater. In addition to protecting your boat, bimini tops can significantly improve the aesthetics of your boat.
You might be wondering if getting a bimini top is truly necessary for your boat or if it even makes sense to do so. Well, worry not! We are here to solve all your problems. With this guide, we have covered every possible question you may have about a bimini boat top.
So, sit tight and read ahead to figure out how to make the best of your boat this summer!
What is A Bimini Top?
You may install affordable, simple bimini tops to your boat as an addition to offer you outstanding sun and rain coverage. A boat's bimini cover is an open-air fabric canopy held together by a durable metal framework. Triangle Marine Center claims that the Bahamian island of Bimini is where the bimini top got its inception as the origin of the word.
If not in use, one can fold or pull back the frames whenever convenient. Or, when you prefer shade or cover from the rain, elevate them once again.
The free-standing bimini tops give people on board improved air circulation. Choosing the most suitable bimini top for your boat may improve it immensely, making it more functional and attractive. For the ideal match for your boat, bimini tops are available in tons of shapes, colors, and sizes.
What is the Best Color for Bimini Top?
Dark colors like Black, navy, and burgundy for bimini tops never go out of fashion and are always preferable by boaters. Moreover, the striking contrast between a white color boat and dark canvas looks great.
Are Bimini Tops Worth it?
Bimini tops serve numerous purposes, but their principal aim is to shield boat passengers from sunburn, dehydration, or sunstroke. As they offer protection from the weather, biminis also let you occasionally take your boat out, even in the downpour.
Who wouldn't want a boat canopy to serve so many purposes simultaneously? Furthermore, it is the best option for improving air ventilation and giving you a viewpoint above the windshield. However, there is also the advantage that a bimini top may significantly enhance the visual attractiveness of your boat.
What Are the Bows in the Bimini Top?
You may be wondering what the bows on a bimini top are. The structure of the bimini top contains this element which spans the boat's width. It connects one side to the other and aids in stretching the fabric. The number of primary bows on a bimini top might be 2, 3, or 4.
The 2-bow bimini top is the shortest available version and is typically for smaller inflatable boats, Jon style, or V-hull fishing boats. Alternatively, the 3-bow is the most preferred type of bimini top. Runabouts with V-hulls, skiing boats, and the bulk of center consoles are all ideal for using this sort of bimini top.
Typically, bigger boats like pontoons or deck boats would have the 4-bow bimini top, the biggest one available. Likewise, you can go for a square or T-Top frame that is an alternative for the 4-bow bimini top.
What Types of Material Are Perfect for Bimini Tops for Boats?
When choosing your bimini top, you must also decide what kind of cloth you would want. There are many possibilities to consider, so it would be great to evaluate some of the materials that are accessible to guide your decision-making.
The costliest variants may be stainless steel, although most Bimini frames are aluminum with strengthened nylon connections. That's because it prevents rust from salt and moisture while also making the frame portable.
Other than that, cotton and vinyl are also usable for the outer cover, but for a frame that will endure more than one season, acrylic or polyester are better options.
How much Does a Bimini Top Cost?
A bimini top will typically cost somewhere between $100 and $300. This cost is for an average sailboat.
Likewise, a hard-top bimini costs between $200 and $600.
How to Choose the Right Size Bimini Top?
To get your ideally-sized bimini top, you need to be mindful of the following:
- How much headroom do you need? There are three standard head clearance profiles: Low Profile (36 inches high), Universal Height (46 inches high), and Standing Height (54 inches high). Assess from the estimated location of your bimini top mounting point up to the desired bimini height while standing inside the boat. After that, note down these height dimensions.
- Find the positions of both mounting brackets. You can determine the "width" dimension by measuring the distance between them. And while you're selecting a mounting place, consider where it will land when deflated and lay down.
The position for your mounting is calculable by measuring forward by your "height" dimension from where you want it to rest. We highly advise against using straps on the rear of your boat bimini top and instead recommend using support poles. In this manner, the canopy will be raised and out of the way. On top of that, they look stylish in the closed position.
- You must also be aware of the desired length of your top. The usual 3-bow is about 6 feet long, whereas the typical 4-bow will typically be 8 to 10 feet long.
How To Install a Boat Bimini Top?
Nevertheless, installation is relatively straightforward with two persons. Except for a few tools, your new bimini top kit will have everything you require. However, you may still need the following tools:
- Measurement tape
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Tape
- Pencil
- Silicone adhesive
After having the necessary equipment, follow these steps for a safe installation:
- Construct the bimini top by putting the tubes into the cloth and joining the remaining down-tubes.
- Attach the storing bag to keep the bimini top closed.
- Use masking tape to seal off the position of the mounts.
- Fasten your primary mounting brackets to the bimini top.
- While in the down position, place the assembled unit upon the boat at the desired location.
- Outline the exterior of the mounting brackets onto the masking tape while securely holding the top in place.
- Disconnect the mounting brackets from the bimini top by setting your canopy aside.
- Mark the locations of the mounting brackets on the boat, then attach them there.
- For the screws, drill a pilot hole and countersink each hole slightly larger than the radius of the screw thread.
- Discard all of your tapes.
- Seal each hole with silicone. As a result, the installation will be waterproof.
- Attach the mounting brackets to your boat using the supplied fasteners.
- Connect the canopy to the mounts.
- Extend the bimini top into its open and working arrangement.
- While the boat canopy is in place, the second person may choose the ideal location for the anchoring straps.
- Mark the locations of the holes and tape each mounting area.
- Drill a pilot hole, countersink, and silicone seal, and install each individual strap-mount.
- Fasten and adjust each strap to its mount to keep the bimini top securely in the ideal working position.
Before installation, you must carefully evaluate if you want to be able to hold your new bimini top and have it out of the way when it's not in use. We believe this is the best option because it frequently gets in the way when set down.
And when the day turns out to be very hot, many people have their boat canopy in the garage but fail to bring it with them.
Also, note if your boat cover will have a cut point when stretched over the bracket. If it's an issue, you could build foam coverings for them. Another option is to take your cover to a canvas shop to get it trimmed to fit while the bimini top is placed and secured with support poles.
Why Should You Get a Boat Canopy?
Pros
Investing in bimini tops for boats has several benefits. It starts by offering complete protection for everything it covers. Such boat covers won't permit water to soak through the carpet or seats as long as they are firmly and correctly fixed.
Other than that, protection against mold and mildew is also a significant benefit.
Cons
The drawbacks of having a boat cover are relatively minimal compared to the many benefits. The biggest drawback, though, is essentially aesthetic. Although composite synthetic textiles don't seem bad, many prefer acrylic boat coverings.
Final Words
You never know when you might need protection from the sun, a romantic getaway, or a place to store your food out of the sun. Thus, it is always preferable to have a bimini top than not to.
And for just this reason, selecting the proper bimini top is one of the essential steps you must take to upgrade your boat.
https://www.homfulgroup.com/boating/marine-bimini-top/3-bow-bimini-top-80b13b.asp
Publication Date: 8/12/2022
Category:
Marine Bimini Top
